A small town girl from Nova Scotia, now living in the big city of Toronto.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

SNOW BUNTINGS - FINALLY

I waited a few years to get a good look at Snow Buntings and was very happy when it finally happened.

When your a "birder" and you finally see a bird that you've been wanting to see for a long time, and in this case, years, it's a thrilling experience.

One of these birds for me was the Snow Bunting. They have eluded me for years, unless I count little black spots that I had seen a couple times far off in a field and was told were Snow Buntings. That didn't count.

When we started visiting the Ruthven Banding Station this past spring, and I found out that Rick also banded these little beauties who visit in the winter I got super excited, as I knew my chances of seeing them this winter was almost a for sure thing. These bird can come from as far away as Greenland!

This past Sunday was my Snow Bunting day. Rick let it be known Saturday evening where they were and that he'd be there banding Sunday morning. Rob and I headed over that morning as well and I finally got my first real look at Snow Buntings and even got to hold one!

Snow Buntings and Horned Larks.

Rick banding a Snow Bunting in the car while I watch from the back seat.

Rick handing me a Snow Bunting to release after he banded her.

A better look at a Horned Lark.

Rick told us the birds were skittish due some predators in the area, and weren't staying on the ground long.

After waiting about 30 minutes after the first and only land they made near the ground traps while we were there, Rick decided to pack up, as he'd been there a few hours and had banded some before we arrived. We decided to head over to the Ruthven grounds to see what we could see and enjoy a walk.

He told us to come back to the spot after our walk at Ruthven as the Snow Buntings would probably be around enjoying the cracked corn in the areas where the ground traps had been.

We returned after a great walk and many sightings at Ruthven and Rick was right! The Snow Buntings were there and what an aerial show these birds put on for us! They fly together as a flock, it's like watching the Snow Birds! They fly around, land, eat for a while, and then do it all over again. They flew right over us at one point which was a joy to experience.

1 comment:

Me and My Blog

My blog is a place for me to share my love of nature and birds, tell you about fun nights out with friends and share my thoughts on a variety of topics. Happily married for five years but together for forteen. I lead an active social life, and have an amazing circle of girlfriends. Rob and I spend a lot of our free time on birding and nature trips, it's our favorite thing to do! I hope you enjoy this little glimpse into my life. Thanks for stopping by and please visit again soon.

Cheers,~Angie

PS: Rob takes most of the bird/nature shots, he wanted me to tell you that.

HELPFUL BLOG TIPS :

1. Click on the photos to enlarge them.

2. Any coloured words in the blog posts are direct links to whatever it is I'm writing about.Bird Life List Now at 259 Species.